If you’re a beer lover who appreciates local heritage and bold brewing experiments, Stottie Beer by Firebrick Brewery is a must-try. This isn’t just another pale ale—it’s a flavorful celebration of North East England’s culinary roots, brewed with actual stottie cakes. Here’s everything you need to know about this one-of-a-kind beer, from its origin story to my tasting verdict.
The Story Behind Stottie Beer
Launched during National Stottie Week in February 2025, Stottie Beer is a collaboration between Firebrick Breweryand Big River Bakery, both proudly based in the North East of England. This partnership combines traditional brewing expertise with a community-centered bakery to create something truly original.
The stottie, a round, dense flatbread synonymous with Geordie culture, is actually used in the brewing process—giving this 4.0% ABV pale ale a uniquely regional flavor. Each can sold also supports community projects, with 20p donated, reinforcing the beer’s social impact alongside its flavor innovation.
Pour and Appearance
Though I didn’t get the chance to pour this beer myself, Stottie Beer is known to pour a golden hue with a slight haze, topped by a modest, white foamy head. The unfiltered look complements the beer’s artisanal origins, offering a rustic visual that matches its bready depth.
If you do get the chance to pour it fresh, aim for a 45-degree tilt to the glass, straightening it toward the end to enhance head retention and release those rich, malty aromas.
Taste and Aroma
The aroma hits first with fresh-baked bread and malt—a nod to the stottie cakes used in the brew. There’s a soft toffee and biscuit sweetness beneath that, followed by subtle honey and citrus notes from the UK-grown hops.
Taste-wise, it’s a malt-forward pale ale with a smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel. The stottie influence gives it a wholesome, grainy backbone, while the hops add a gentle bitterness and citrus zip on the finish. It’s balanced, approachable, and highly drinkable—a beer that feels comforting yet interesting.
My Verdict
I rated Stottie Beer 4 out of 5. It’s a brilliant concept, well-executed, and offers a genuine taste of the North East’s cultural and culinary heritage. It’s not a hop bomb or a boozy sipper, but it wasn’t meant to be. This is a community-driven session ale that tells a story, supports a cause, and delivers where it counts: flavor and heart.
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